Summer School - A Photography + Creative Podcast
Welcome to Summer School, the podcast where we explore the world of creativity, entrepreneurship, and beyond. While I may be a wedding photographer by trade, my goal for this podcast is to break free from creative constraints and invite a wide range of guests to join us in thought-provoking conversations. Expect to hear from professionals in various fields – from educators to accountants, musicians to artists, and business owners of all kinds. My aim is to dive deep into the experiences, inspirations, and the nitty gritty of being an entrepreneur. Tune in today, hit subscribe and leave a review if you lo...
The Art of Shooting Weddings Entirely on Film with Andrew Tallon
This week on the pod, I'm joined by Andrew Tallon to chat about what it's really like to shoot weddings entirely on film. We dive into his transition from digital, the logistics of shooting 100% film, his approach to creating personalized wedding albums, and why photographers need to be more mindful of the space they take up on a wedding day. From film stocks to the overall client experience, there's a lot to unpack in this one!
Meet Andrew:
Andrew Tallon is an Australian photographer and filmmaker based in Copenhagen...
Photography Horror Stories: A Spooky Special
Happy Halloween! This week, we're diving into some wild photography horror stories from around the internet. From ordering expensive film and receiving rocks instead, to photographers faking film photos, disappearing gear, and weddings that weren't actually weddings. Some are hilarious, some are genuinely terrifying, and all of them are enough to give any photographer nightmares.
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Become a Member of Summer School
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Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool
Shop My Products:
Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)
Pricing Guide
*Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Tr
Should Wedding Photographers Put Their Prices on Their Website?
Should wedding photographers put their prices on their website? In this episode, I'm breaking down the pros and cons of pricing transparency, why I personally choose to list a starting price, and where I think photographers get it wrong. Plus, a few life updates, my recent dive into the commercial photography world, and why I'm always looking for new ways to grow creatively and in business.
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Become a Member of Summer School
Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!
Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool
Shop My Products:
Summer Grace x G-Presets (
Does Photography Gear Actually Matter?
Does photography gear actually matter? I think it does, just not in the way most people think. In this episode, I'm sharing why the cameras and lenses you use can impact your creative style, how certain gear has actually helped me book clients, and why more expensive doesn't always mean better.
Connect with Me:
Become a Member of Summer School
Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!
Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool
Shop My Products:
Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)
Pricing Guide
*Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above!
Try Pic-Time for free using this lin
Photography Opinions I've Changed My Mind About
Hey everyone! I'm sharing some photography opinions I've completely changed my mind about over the years. From Instagram marketing and destination weddings to camera gear, editing styles, and what success actually looks like as a photographer, we're talking about the things I used to believe and why I see them differently now. Plus, a little life update from another busy week of traveling and shooting weddings!
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Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!
Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool
Shop My Products:
Summer Grace x G-Presets (
Why I Still Believe in Photography Conferences
After speaking at an analog photography conference in England, I’ve been thinking a lot about what actually makes photography conferences worth attending. In this episode, I’m sharing my experience at Elevate, what conferences look like from a speaker’s perspective, why I think their value goes way beyond education, and what I’d want to see from photography events in the future.
Connect with Me:
Become a Member of Summer School
Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!
Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool
Shop My Products:
Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)
Pricing Guide
*Summer School is powered by
AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement with James Broadbent
AI has become one of the most debated topics in photography, so I’m sitting down with Narrative founder James Broadbent to ask some of the questions photographers are actually thinking about. We talk about the environmental impact of AI, image privacy and security, whether AI is taking away from creativity, and the difference between using AI to replace your decisions versus using it as a tool to make your workflow faster. We also get into how Narrative approaches AI differently, why your creative decisions still matter, and some of the newest features coming to Narrative.
How I Book Weddings Without Paying for Ads
I’ve never paid for ads to book a wedding. In this episode, I’m breaking down how I’ve built a thriving wedding photography business through Instagram, referrals, networking, vendor relationships, and simply making sure people know what I do. If ads aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to get your work in front of the right people.
Connect with Me:
Become a Member of Summer School
Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!
Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool
Shop My Products:
Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)
Pricing Guide
*Summer School is powered by
Why We’re Still Obsessed With Film with Jonathan Goldie
This week I’m sitting down with Jonathan to get VERY nerdy about photography. We’re talking film, weddings, scanning, creative burnout, and going way too far down creative rabbit holes.
Jonathan shares how wanting a better way to scan film turned into building his own automated film scanner, plus we talk about photographing weddings (including mine!), cameras failing at the worst time, and finding your way back to actually having fun with photography.
Meet Jonathan:
Jonathan Goldie is a wedding and editorial photographer with an unhealthy obse...
You Asked I Answered
Hey everyone! In this episode, I’m answering your questions about film photography, marketing, networking, growing a photography business, motherhood, getting into education, and building a career that you love. We’re getting into a little bit of everything and talking about what I’ve learned along the way.
Connect with Me:
Become a Member of Summer School
Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!
Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool
Shop My Products:
Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)
Pricing Guide
*Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above!
Try Richards FilmLab at a discount: richardphotolab.com
Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
Is Film Photography a Scam?
Is film photography actually a scam? In this episode, I’m breaking down the real costs of shooting film, why clients still want it, and how to add film to your photography packages without losing money. I also share how I personally price film, why it’s baked into my packages, and whether I think film is still worth offering in 2026.
Connect with Me:
Become a Member of Summer School
Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!
Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool
Shop My Products:
Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)
Pricing Guide
*Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool
Film Photography, Creativity, and Finding Your Own Voice with Jonathan Canlas
I’m so excited to sit down with Jonathan Canlas, founder of the Find Lab, and someone who has been shooting, teaching, and advocating for film photography for decades. We talk about his journey with film, the cameras and film stocks he loves, shooting for yourself, experimenting creatively, and why photographers need to stop looking at everyone else’s work if they want to find their own voice. We also get into building real community, personal projects, and what keeps him excited about photography after all these years.
Meet Jonathan:
Cr...
Everything That Goes Into Photographing a Multi-Day Wedding
Hey everyone! I'm taking you behind the scenes of photographing a multi day wedding and everything that goes into it. From travel, packing, and testing gear to working with a second shooter, building relationships with your clients, and why 12 hours sometimes still isn't enough, I'm sharing what these weekends really look like and why they're some of my favorite weddings to photograph.
Connect with Me:
Become a Member of Summer School
Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!
Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool
Shop My Products:
Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)
Pricing Guide
*Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editi
The Biggest Marketing Mistakes I See Photographers Make
In this episode, I'm talking about the biggest marketing mistakes I see photographers make and how to fix them. We cover why social media shouldn't be your only marketing strategy, how to become more memorable, why networking matters, and simple ways to book more of the right clients.
Connect with Me:
Become a Member of Summer School
Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!
Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool
Shop My Products:
Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)
Pricing Guide
*Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above!
Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
The Mindset and Business Strategies Behind a Successful Photography Career with Peyton Hayez
Hey everyone! In this episode, Peyton shares practical advice on growing a photography business through networking, word-of-mouth marketing, and collaboration. We also talk about balancing creativity with business, hosting retreats, working with other photographers, and simple ways to create more authentic images by letting go of perfection.
Meet Peyton:
Peyton Hayez is a photographer who refuses to be boxed into a single niche. She believes creativity exists in everything, from weddings to education, branding, and storytelling. While she’s known for her candids and ability to capture real emotion, he...
The Software Every Photographer Needs to Know About
Hi everyone! I'm so excited for this episode because I'm sitting down with Nirit and Amir, the founders of Pic-Time, to hear the story behind one of photography's favorite platforms.
We talk about how Pic-Time got started, some of my favorite features, what goes into building software creatives actually love, and the lessons they've learned growing a company that's stayed true to photographers from day one.
Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
Connect with Me:
Become a Member of Summer School
Subscribe ...
The Software Every Photographer Needs to Know About
Hi everyone! I'm so excited for this episode because I'm sitting down with Nirit and Amir, the founders of Pic-Time, to hear the story behind one of photography's favorite platforms.We talk about how Pic-Time got started, some of my favorite features, what goes into building software creatives actually love, and the lessons they've learned growing a company that's stayed true to photographers from day one.
Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
Connect with Me:
Join us at Summer Camp!
Become a Member of Summer School
Subscribe here to our e...
6 Ways to Level Up Your Wedding Photography
In this episode, I'm sharing six practical ways to elevate your wedding photography, including how I use flash, pose editorial group photos, find better light, anticipate candid moments, and create more artistic images throughout the wedding day.
Connect with Me:
Join us at Summer Camp!
Become a Member of Summer School
Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!
Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool
Shop My Products:
Summer Grace x G-Presets (discount code: SUMMERSCHOOL)
Pricing Guide
*Summer School is powered by Narrative — the AI culling and editing tool I use that supports my workflow without replacing my creativity. Try Narrative for free today using the link above!
Try Pic-Time for free using this link: summergracephoto.pic-time.com/referral
How and Why I Shoot Film at Weddings
Film photography has completely changed the way I shoot weddings, and in this episode I'm sharing everything you guys always ask me about it. We talk about how I got started shooting film, the cameras I use, how I work it into a wedding day, how I price it for clients, and why I think film has shaped my style more than anything else.
Connect with Me:
Join us at Summer Camp!
Become a Member of Summer School
Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!
Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool
Shop My Products:
Summer Grace x G-P...
Breaking Into Commercial Photography with Kara Mercer
In this episode, I sat down with Kara Mercer, whose career has taken her from photographing weddings to working with tourism boards, hotels, designers, and brands all over the world. We talk about what it looked like to make the jump into commercial photography, how she built a career beyond weddings, and the realities of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and reinventing yourself as a creative along the way.
Meet Kara:
Kara Mercer is a commercial photographer and creative director specializing in interior, architectural, lifestyle, and travel photography. With over 17 years of...
Mini Episode: How to Make a Cyanotype
In this episode, I'm sharing a new creative project I've been obsessed with lately: cyanotypes. We talk about what cyanotypes are, how to make them, and why diving into something completely outside of my photography business has been such a refreshing creative reset.
I also share the story behind Solar Studios, a new venture combining vintage clothing, cyanotype printing, and making things just for the sake of making them.
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Join us at Summer Camp!
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Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!
Instagram: ...
The Art of Props & Queer Advocacy with Landon Hawkins
This week on the pod, I sat down with wedding photographer and creative powerhouse Landon Hawkins. We talk about using creativity and props to create more intentional imagery, standing out in a saturated industry, and the importance of queer advocacy and representation within the wedding world.
Meet Landon:
Landon is a queer wedding photographer known for creating cinematic, story driven imagery that blends emotion, movement, and playful creativity. His work often incorporates handmade props, oversized objects, and conceptual set pieces that turn real moments into artful, nostalgic scenes. Inspired...
Summer Camp Recap + What You Need to Know About Hosting a Photography Retreat
This week on the pod, I’m recapping Summer Camp and talking about how much this experience grew and evolved from the first camp I ever hosted. From the styled shoots and film lab, to the food, counselors, field day, surprise art gallery, and overall experience - this year felt incredibly intentional and immersive in the best way. I’m also sharing behind-the-scenes lessons on hosting a photography retreat, budgeting, building community, and what actually goes into creating an unforgettable creative experience.
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Join us at Summer Camp!
Become a Member of Summer School
Subscribe her...
5 Ways to Scale Your Photography Business (And How to Choose Yours)
This week on the pod, I’m sharing my thoughts on scaling as a photographer and the different paths that can come with it. We talk about luxury weddings, associate teams, education, legacy clients, hybrid business models, and figuring out what kind of growth actually fits the life you want. I also share a few personal updates while getting ready for Summer Camp and settling into a new season of life.
Connect with Me:
Join us at Summer Camp!
Become a Member of Summer School
Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!
Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool
...
A Better Way to Think About Branding: World Building
In this episode, I’m sharing a shift in how I think about branding - from “personal branding” to world building. I talk through how your brand is shaped through every interaction, from social media to your client experience, and what it looks like to stay consistent across all of it. If you’ve been feeling like you’re blending in, this will help you start thinking about how to build something people actually want to be part of.
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Join us at Summer Camp!
Become a Member of Summer School
Subscribe here...
From Wedding Photographers to Set Designers with Jada and David
This week on the pod, I’m so excited to be chatting with Jada and David about going from wedding photography to building full conceptual sets and creative worlds.
We get into burnout, personal projects, and what it actually looks like to pivot and start creating the work you actually want to be known for.
Meet Jada + David:
Jada and David are a married couple and creative duo. Together, they combine set design, photography, lighting, and motion to create bold, visually striking imagery for musicians, designers, brands, an...
Weddings Aren’t Content Machines with Chris Denner
This week I’m talking with Chris Denner about staying true to yourself as a photographer and not getting pulled into industry trends.
Chris shares why “weddings shouldn’t be content machines,” how trends are leading to everyone creating the same images, and why leaning into what makes you different is what actually sets you apart.
Meet Chris:
Nice to meet you, I’m Chris Denner. I’m a crime-fighting vigilante and I know more Kung Fu than Bruce Lee. Okay….that’s not strictly true. But let’s be honest...
Finding Your Taste and Style as a Wedding Photographer with Joshua Woodland
Hi everyone! This week on the pod, I’m chatting with Joshua Woodland, a UK-based wedding photographer whose work blends fashion, film, and storytelling. We talk about finding inspiration outside of the wedding industry, how your taste develops over time, and what it actually takes to get your work seen. It’s a real conversation about growing creatively while building a sustainable photography business.
Meet Joshua:
Joshua is a UK based wedding photographer - documenting stories across the UK and Europe. Joshua’s photography blends editorial composition with emotional storyt...
How to Pose Couples as a Wedding Photographer with Summer Grace
In this episode, I’m sharing my approach to posing as a photographer - and why posing isn’t actually the most important part of a photo.
I break down how I start with light and environment, and how I guide couples in a way that feels natural, not forced.
If your photos have been feeling stiff, this will help you rethink posing entirely.
Connect with Me:
Join us at Summer Camp!
Become a Member of Summer School
Subscribe here to our emails for updates on all things Summer School!
Instagram: @summergrace.photo @the_summerschool...
Live at WPPI: Film Chats with My Wedding Photographer Jake Tovar
This week I sat down with my wedding photographer, Jake Tovar, live at WPPI to talk all things film, creativity, and building a style that’s truly your own. We get into his approach to shooting weddings on film, the small decisions that shape your work, and how photography became something deeper for him along the way.
About Jake:
Jake is a film photographer who simply is in love with photography. Jake bounces around Cali but resides in San Luis Obispo & Bakersfield, CA.
Connect with Me:
J...
Balancing Creativity and Business as a Photographer with Tom Wright
Hey everyone! In this episode, I’m joined by UK-based photographer and educator Tom Wright, who often refers to himself as a therapist for photographers. Tom works with creatives to help them move through creative blocks, gain clarity in their work, and reconnect with why they picked up a camera in the first place. We talk about balancing art and business, understanding your brand, and finding the moments in photography that bring you the most joy.
Meet Tom:
Tom Wright is like a therapist for your photography business. He ca...
Dave Hill on Creativity, Longevity, and Big Brand Campaigns as a Photographer
Today on the pod, I sit down with Dave Hill to talk about what it really looks like to evolve over a 20+ year photography career. We dive into his transition from hyperreal composites to a more natural, wide-angle style, shooting major campaigns for big brands, and how social media changed the industry for all of us. Dave reflects on creative reinvention, not caring so much about outside opinions, balancing family life with ambition, and why staying curious matters more than staying trendy.
Meet Dave:
Dave is a director/photographer...
Destination Weddings, Adventure Couples, and Composition with Jordan Voth
In this episode, I’m joined by Jordan Voth to talk about building a destination wedding and elopement photography career. Jordan shares how being laid off from his finance job led him to pursue photography full time, how travel shaped his brand, and how he became known for shooting weddings and elopements in incredible natural landscapes.
Meet Jordan:
Jordan Voth is a Seattle-based photographer who has been shooting full-time since 2015, traveling worldwide to photograph weddings, portraits, and lifestyle stories. Known for a documentary approach and a love of meaningful, ho...
10 Things Photographers Should Do in the Off Season
In this episode, I’m sharing 10 things I’d focus on as a photographer during the off season to set myself up for a strong busy season. From updating your website and portfolio to getting more intentional with marketing, systems, and relationships, this episode is all about using slower months with purpose. If your calendar feels quieter right now, this is a reminder that the off season can be a really valuable time when you lean into it.
Connect with Me:
Join us at Summer Camp!
Become a Member of Summer School
J...
Cinematic Photography, Social Media, and Finding Your Style with Joshua Mannila
Hey everyone! This week on the podcast I’m joined by Joshua Mannila, a Portland-based photographer known for his cinematic, moody style.
We talk about starting young, growing through social media, being known for a specific look, and giving yourself permission to evolve creatively. Joshua also shares practical advice on posting consistently, capturing BTS, and not letting engagement dictate your confidence as an artist.
Meet Joshua:
Joshua Mannila is a portrait and couples photographer based in Oregon. His work blends cinema-inspired themes with a modern, editorial style to...
Building Community as a Photographer with Alex Nena
In this episode, I sat down with Alex Nena, and we’re unpacking what community actually looks like in the photography industry. We talk about building real connections, navigating comparison, and why having people around you matters both personally and professionally. It’s an honest conversation about growth, support, and not trying to do everything on your own.
Meet Alex:
Alex Nena is a vintage- inspired wedding and elopement photographer based in California. Her work blends old world and modern elegance together capturing weddings that feel both intimate and cine...
Building a Sustainable Wedding Photography Business with Susan Stripling
Hi friends! In this episode I’m sitting down with Susan Stripling to talk about what it actually takes to build a sustainable wedding photography business. Susan has been in this industry for over two decades, and her perspective on longevity, business, and staying relevant is grounded and honest. We talk about treating photography like a real business from the beginning, balancing creativity with structure, and why sustainability matters more than quick growth.
Meet Susan:
Susan Stripling has been photographing weddings, portraits, and theater for almost twenty-five years. Susan's wo...
What It Really Looks Like to Grow a Business as a Mom with Hannah Faye
In this episode, I talk with Hannah Faye about building and scaling a photography business while raising three kids under five. We get into systems, outsourcing, workflow tools, and how she’s structured her business to support her life instead of compete with it. Hannah shares what’s actually helped her grow, what she’s stopped doing, and why community has mattered more than anything.
Meet Hannah:
Hannah Frederick is a Washington-based wedding photographer, mother of three, and wife who has built and scaled a thriving photography business while welcom...
Ins and Outs of 2026 for Photographers
Hi everyone! In this episode, I share my thoughts on where I think 2026 is headed for photographers and creatives. I talk about the growing importance of community, the shift toward more human-first work as AI becomes more common, the pull back toward hands-on, process-driven creativity, and why diversifying income can create more freedom. This is less about predictions and more about patterns I’m noticing and how I’m thinking about moving forward into the new year.
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Become a Member of Summer School
Join me at WPPI and get 20% off your ticket using co...
A Creative Director’s Approach to Wedding Photography with Daniel Knight Harris
This time, I’m sitting down with Daniel Knight Harris, a photographer and art director whose background in music, fashion, and film has deeply shaped how he approaches wedding photography. We talk about his transition from music and fashion into weddings, what it looks like to treat each wedding like a creative brief, and why film still plays such an important role in his work.
Meet Daniel:
Daniel, is a photographer and art director with a background in music, fashion, and film.
For over a decade, he created vi...
